Speaking: Robert Mason, University of Connecticut
Part of the NOAA in Alaska and the Arctic seminar series hosted by NOAA NCEI Regional Climate Services Director, Alaska Region and the NOS Science Seminar Series.
Remote Access
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https://noaabroadcast.adobeconnect.com/akandarctic101421/event/registra…
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Abstract
Mercury (Hg) levels in Arctic ecosystems have risen markedlydue to global anthropogenic Hg emissions since industrialization, and are nowalso being altered as the region warms, with as-yet uncertain ecologicalconsequences. This presentation will highlight the key findings of the recentAMAP mercury report as well as discuss the resultant comprehensive assessmentof the present-day abiotic Hg mass balance in the Arctic that was recentlysubmitted for publication. Atmospheric Hg in the Arctic is primarily emittedoutside the region and is delivered to the Arctic Ocean through atmosphericdeposition, riverine inputs, ice melt and coastal erosion. While external Hginputs are overall decreasing, concentrations in biota are still increasing insome locations. The overall findings of the AMAP report and the Hg mass balancewill be discussed and the presentation will highlight the uncertainties inunderstanding that exist or are poorly constrained by measurements.
Bio
Robert Mason is a professor in the Department of Marine Sciences at the University of Connecticut and has been working on aspects of the global mercury cycle for more than 30 years. He is, and has been, involved in synthesis efforts on mercury for AMAP and for UNEP, as part of the efforts related to the Minamata Convention on Mercury. He has been involved in recent mercury studies in the Arctic and the adjacent waters, and in the atmosphere, in addition to studies in other coastal and offshore ocean regions.
Sponsors
NOAA NCEI Regional Climate Services Director, Alaska Region and the NOS Science Seminar Series.
Accessibility
Closed Captioning will be provided.